Is there an D.O.T. info regarding tandem rigs available online?

[Moose-Hunter]

Howdy all....

Where can a guy find online info on pulling a tandem rig? Meaning a fifth wheel trailer and a boat behind it. Maximum lengths, when and where I can drive, weight restrictions.... Basically everything involved.

I've tried a couple RV dealers, but they seemed more interested in selling me a trailer than answering law related questions, and received conflicting info as well. I've also tried a bunch of RV sites and have not found much on tandem rigs. Even the state site is not much help...

Anyone out there that can point me in the right direction or has personal experience with tandems?

Thanks....

[Eric Wettschreck]

Hi Moose. I won't put the web site on line, but it's the same site you can renew your vehicle tabs on. This is for Minnesota only.

[Moose-Hunter]

Hi boilerguy...

I think I tried that one... But who knows. I've looked at so many lately I'm a bit bug eyed! If you would be so kind as to send that site to my email addy listed below I'll give it a peek. Thanks!!

[Eric Wettschreck]

Moose, dude you have mail.

[Guest]

Moose-Hunter--I sent you a e-mail with the phone # and they can tell you if you need to comply with thier regs.You may have to leave a message as they are not always there.Mostly if you are a pro fisherman or fish for money,claim income from fishing on your taxes or recieve a 1099, then you will probably have to comply.If you only travel instate and your tow rigs under 10,000 gvw,I believe all you have to do is get a health card from your doctor. Now,if you travel outstate and fish for money,then you will consider you interstate commerece and a whole new set of regs fall into place,which they will tell you.Any more questions,just e-mail me, but the phone number i e-mailed you should do it.This all pertains to the regs as far as having to put U.S.D.O.T. numbers on you units and having them D.O.T. certified, to comply with state and federal law.Somewhat of a pain but some people do need to do this.Web page is www.fmcsa.gov.

[IFallsRon]

There used to be several threads in the Camping Forum but I can't find the one that had the most info. Try this one:

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=412970&page=8&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[wall eyell be]

It's not D.O.T.; It's Dept of Public Safety

go to

http://ww2.revisor.leg.state.mn.us:8181/SEARCH/BASIS/mnstat/public/www/SF

search for

recreational vehicle combination

Here's what you get:

DEFINITION

Subd. 78. Recreational vehicle combination.

"Recreational vehicle combination" means a combination of

vehicles consisting of a pickup truck as defined in section

168.011, subdivision 29, attached by means of a fifth-wheel

coupling to a camper-semitrailer which has hitched to it a

trailer carrying a watercraft as defined in section 86B.005,

subdivision 18; off-highway motorcycle as defined in section

84.787, subdivision 7; motorcycle; motorized bicycle; snowmobile

as defined in section 84.81, subdivision 3; or all-terrain

vehicle as defined in section 84.92, subdivision 8. For

purposes of this subdivision:

(a) A "fifth-wheel coupling" is a coupling between a

camper-semitrailer and a towing pickup truck in which a portion

of the weight of the camper-semitrailer is carried over or

forward of the rear axle of the towing pickup.

( A "camper-semitrailer" is a trailer, other than a

manufactured home as defined in section 327B.01, subdivision 13,

designed for human habitation and used for vacation or

recreational purposes for limited periods.

HEIGHT AND LENGTH LIMITATIONS

Subd. 3c. Recreational vehicle combination.

Notwithstanding subdivision 3, a recreational vehicle

combination may be operated without a permit if:

(1) the combination does not consist of more than three

vehicles, and the towing rating of the pickup truck is equal to

or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed;

(2) the combination does not exceed 60 feet in length;

(3) the camper-semitrailer in the combination does not

exceed 28 feet in length;

(4) the operator of the combination is at least 18 years of

age;

(5) the trailer carrying a watercraft, motorcycle,

motorized bicycle, off-highway motorcycle, snowmobile, or

all-terrain vehicle meets all requirements of law;

(6) the trailers in the combination are connected to the

pickup truck and each other in conformity with section 169.82;

and

(7) the combination is not operated within the seven-county

metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2,

during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00

p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.